Have any of you gotten something similar to that.
2007-11-15 11:11:10 · 7 answers · asked by Digigrace 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
First question. Did you apply to win? If not it is a scam. Don't give them any information, also don't open any attachments. If they send you a check or anything, don't cash it (unless you put a long hold on it, but usually they take 21 days to come back NSF and you will be held liable).
You can also forward the email to the department of commerce in your state if you think it is a scam. They keep a record of them.
2007-11-15 11:16:01 · answer #1 · answered by moonman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scammers are fairly talented... They link to existing companies... reputable ones... The money you send them for "processing fees" etc ends up in Nigerian 90% of the time. Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do to alert the authorities in the hopes of stopping them... (trust me there)The best thing you can do is post the email you received in a 419 fraud forum...
HOWEVER.... if you want to have a little bit of fun with Mr. Scammer... here's what I do:
First of all, my real name doesn't show up in my outgoing emails (you may need to change it)
Next, I pick a persona... kindly retiree who just got a computer from the kids for my birthday (want to hear about my last surgery?), bored housewife at the public library twice a week, disabled, recent parolee, etc...
Then I act all excited/amazed I've won... and ask how I collect... I send fake names/addresses... pretend to be new to the internet "Can you explain how I ____ ?"
Basically, the goal is to waste as much of THEIR time as I can... I figure if they are busy with me, that's one less person they are harrassing... call it my hobby! ;)
I had one recently... (I don't know how much if ANY was true, but...)got his name, address, phone number in Nigerian... his accomplice in London's info... fax numbers... and finally a bank account number so I could just wire him the fees... I also contacted the Secret Service, the London police, both banks used in their scam, a reputable company also being used... and finally the yahoo abuse team turned off his email... which obviously does nothing since he had a new one within 5 minutes...
Anyway, have fun!
2007-11-15 11:49:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm reminded of a line from the movie Forrest Gump...
"Are you stupid or something?"
Of course it is a scam. Delete it immediately and don't respond. And if you aren't sure is something is a scam, check it out at snopes.com.
2007-11-15 12:29:49 · answer #3 · answered by The Professor 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you didnt appy for a grant than its a scam. Hit the delete button.
2007-11-15 11:19:03 · answer #4 · answered by Diane M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is just a scam to cheat your money. I have received lot of it
2007-11-15 11:37:21 · answer #5 · answered by Forgettable 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you believe it, I got a bridge to sell you.
2007-11-15 11:14:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That happend to me about 6 months ago it is a scam
dont respond get rid of it please
2007-11-15 23:09:02 · answer #7 · answered by Lola B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋